Post-election, advocates push childhood education blueprint

The Campaign for Children released a childhood education transition blueprint for Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio Wednesday.

The Campaign for Children released a childhood education transition blueprint for Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio Wednesday.Credit: @deBlasioNYC via Twitter

Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio would begin rolling-out his signature proposal — full-day, universal pre-kindergarten — during his first term under a transition plan released Wednesday by the Campaign for Children.

The coalition of over 150 advocacy and provider organizations praised the mayor-elect's proposal, but advised de Blasio to focus on other, short-term goals.

"As we work to implement universal pre-K and expand afterschool programs, we also need to expand early childhood education for children under age four and after-school programs for elementary, middle, and high school students," Jennifer March, head of the Citizens' Committee for Children, said in a statement.

The transition plan calls for de Blasio to "immediately" baseline some $150 million in one-year funds for childcare systems to avoid budget negotiations with City Council next summer.

The coalition also asks for the mayor-elect to ensure all eligible children under five will have access to subsidized childcare and older children will be able to use affordable programs.

As part of the plan, de Blasio would also create a new agency, Office of Early Childhood, to focus on the needs of children under five.